My Mute Bride

Not long after Victor left, Rachel heard the doorbell ring.

Originally thinking he left something behind, she opened the door, only to see a courier.

“Ms. Rachel Hudson?”

Upon hearing that, Rachel nodded.

“There are two intracity express parcels for you. Please sign here.”

Startled, she signed for the parcels, thereafter receiving a cake and a paper bag.

Right now on the table, there was still half an uneaten cake that Victor had rushed out to buy at noon upon finding out it was her birthday.

So, who bought the cake that the courier delivered?

Setting it aside on the table for now, she pulled a rectangular suede box out of the paper bag.

With a click, she opened it and discovered a silver-colored necklace in the box that glimmered underneath the light

The pendant was in the simple design of a small sun with a hollow center.

Putting down the box, she found a card on top of the cake box that simply read ‘Happy Birthday’ without any signature.

Dumbfounded, she stared at the items until her phone started vibrating.

It was a text message from Julian reading, ‘Did you receive what I sent?’

Immediately, she understood. ‘I did. I was wondering who would remember my birthday.’

‘Don’t forget that you’re a patient of mine. It’s not strange that I would remember your birthday.’

‘Thank you.

‘You’re welcome. Are you free? I just finished work; come down for a walk with me!

Looking at the time, she agreed, ‘Okay.’

At this hour after dinner, the community was lively. All of the houses were lit up, and the sound of children laughing could be heard around the neighborhood as they ran around playing.

offer some to anyone,

is

motion with her hand, she lifted a knife and a paper

the side.

of the group, which happened to be a little girl

must sing the ‘Happy Birthday’

close her eyes and make a

must blow out

shook her head to indicate to Julian that there was no need

the candles and had the children sing ‘Happy Birthday’ in unison. The delicate chorus of young voices would have a healing effect on any of its

“Make a wish.”

There’s no need.

Miss Rachel. My mommy says you have to say it in your heart and not out loud, or the wish won’t come true,” a

head to look, she found a little girl who wasn’t even at table height yet

the gazes of the children, clasped her hands and made a wish. After that, she blew out the candles and began to give the cake out to

you!” their parents instructed,

on each other’s faces. Just like that,

streetlamp, Rachel finally smiled for the first time in

to be so courteous with me.” Walking her back to her apartment building, Julian continued, “The most important thing right now is to take care of your body and your mood. You don’t need to worry about anything else.

wanted it, anyway, so I might as well pretend it never existed for now. At

told her, “Go on upstairs, then. It’s been getting colder lately, so make sure

and headed

her apartment and about to

was propped

darkened face made all the more grotesque by the centipede-like scar

out on business? she

the house and shut the door before surveying

been getting along fine

she took two steps back.

her resentfully, he stalked toward her as he pulled off his necktie and threw it onto the couch.

unmelting icebergs as he sneered, “I suppose you wouldn’t want me to ruin your

step he approached her, forcing her back inch by

Rachel had no idea what

and pulled, she staggered after him and was